AGP Executive Report

Data Centers in the Crosshairs: New Mexico lawmakers unveiled a plan to pursue a statewide moratorium on new large-scale data centers, saying the state needs guardrails for water use, energy demand, emissions, and community impacts before approving more projects. Fentanyl Scrutiny: State Attorney General Raúl Torrez is seeking federal records tied to reports that DEA agents allowed large amounts of fentanyl into New Mexico from 2022 to 2025, including decisions on whether to seize loads. Screwworm Alert: New World screwworm continues to spread, with confirmed animal cases reported in Texas and New Mexico and new efforts focused on quarantine, sterile fly releases, and rancher and pet-owner awareness. Local Education Oversight: Albuquerque Public Schools named Wilson Holland, a former Los Lunas athletics director, as assistant superintendent after an audit found he performed personal work during district hours while officiating out-of-state games. Independence Day in Santa Fe: Santa Fe is set for New Mexico’s official Fourth of July celebration for America’s 250th, featuring a free event with a drone show and fireworks at Franklin Miles Park.

Medicaid Fight: Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s interim Medicaid work requirements for medically frail people, arguing the rule strips protections for vulnerable patients. Voting Rights Push: Ford also co-leads opposition to a USPS proposal that would use a centralized voter list and restrict mail ballots, with multiple states warning it would undermine state control of elections. NM Utility Oversight: New Mexico regulators voted 2-1 to force PNM and Blackstone to unwind a controversial $400 million stock sale, a major setback for Blackstone’s push to acquire the utility. Housing & Health Costs: A new report says more than 40% of New Mexico households can’t afford basic living costs, highlighting how low wages and limited savings keep families in financial danger. Local Economy: Albuquerque’s popular My Moms restaurant will close at month’s end, citing rising food costs, rent pressure, and debt. Water Crisis: Coverage spotlights how drought and stalled Colorado River and local water deals leave some communities without running water, including an immigration detention site that must truck water. Agriculture & Research: NMSU won a $759,000 grant to develop disease-resistant green chile, aiming to protect chile from a major soil-borne threat. Animal Health Alert: A screwworm explainer and outbreak updates underscore the ongoing threat to livestock and pets, including a case tied to New Mexico.

Local Law Enforcement Tech: Albuquerque Police will renew ShotSpotter for five years, adding 42 square miles of acoustic gunshot detection coverage, part of a broader Q2 wave of multi-year public safety contracts. North Valley Development: Bernalillo County planners cleared the way for the Albuquerque Islamic Center’s North Valley mosque after denying an appeal that raised noise, traffic, and zoning concerns. Public Safety & Health: New Mexico State Police plan July sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols statewide to curb impaired driving. Water Watch: Roswell released its 2025 consumer confidence report, noting multiple past system violations and ongoing work expected to finish this December. Wildfire Smoke Reality Check: New research says most people can fail N95 fit tests without realizing it, as wildfire smoke reaches parts of the Southwest including New Mexico. Cannabis Crackdown: New Mexico is rolling out new cannabis enforcement officers aimed at the black market, responding to complaints that legal operators still face illegal competition.

Wildfire & fireworks warnings: After three firefighters were killed in fast-moving blazes near the Utah-Colorado border, federal fire officials urged people to cut or skip fireworks this Fourth of July as dry, windy conditions keep risk high across the West. Immigration detention & courts: A federal appeals court in Colorado ruled ICE’s “no bond” policy unlawful, ordering release for a longtime resident and raising pressure on detention practices that affect New Mexico and nearby states. Medicaid work rules sued: A coalition of at least 25 states and D.C. sued the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements, arguing the policy unlawfully restricts access to care for medically vulnerable people. New Mexico housing policy: HUD told New Mexico lawmakers it’s encouraging local public housing authorities to adopt tenant work requirements and potential eviction timelines tied to time in subsidized housing. Oil & gas cleanup: The New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission approved stronger bonding requirements to ensure operators pay more for plugging and cleanup of high-risk and inactive wells. Local water crisis: Estancia, N.M., is hauling in water as wells run dry, with the town’s largest customer being a nearby federal immigration detention facility. Jobs boost: New Mexico’s Job Training Incentive Program approved $12 million to support more than 440 jobs this quarter. Tech push: New Mexico leaders highlighted quantum and fusion investment as lawmakers weigh new funding for advanced technology growth. Public health access: A report says some for-profit emergency rooms are opting out of Medicare, raising concerns about whether patients can be turned away for inability to pay. Animal health threat: Maine added new restrictions on bringing animals into the state after the New World screwworm was detected again, including cases tied to southwestern New Mexico.

Supreme Court: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship, reaffirming that children born in the U.S. are citizens under the 14th Amendment. Local Elections: In Cibola County, Grants Mayor Erik Garcia withdrew from the District 3 commission race, and a probate judge recount confirmed Corrine Padilla’s win. Behavioral Health: Cibola County leaders say New Mexico’s behavioral health reform is taking shape locally under the 2025 Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act. Wildfires: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued emergency orders and directed $500,000 for wildfire response as multiple large fires continue to burn across the state. Water Crisis: New Mexico Wild held a community gathering in Albuquerque highlighting how the Rio Grande has dried unusually early, underscoring statewide water stress. Energy Grid: Western governors backed a multi-state task force to update transmission lines, including New Mexico, aiming to reduce bottlenecks and improve reliability. Public Safety: A USPS worker in Clovis, New Mexico, was arrested over alleged mass-shooting threats tied to a Pride event in Texas.

Wildfire Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an emergency order sending $500,000 to the state’s emergency management agency as more than 16 large wildfires burn, including the McCauley Springs Fire near Jemez Springs. Energy Grid Push: Western governors backed a multi-state task force, WestTEC, to study and speed upgrades to the region’s aging transmission lines—aiming to cut bottlenecks and help meet rising power demand. Public Safety/Infrastructure: Albuquerque took over demolition of the Bliss Building after the owners’ plan fell apart; Fifth Street and Central will face closures due to structural instability. Housing Rules: HUD told New Mexico lawmakers it’s encouraging local public housing authorities to opt into tenant work requirements tied to federal subsidies, with possible eviction after two years. Medicaid Fight: Democratic-led states, including New Mexico, sued over Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow. Politics/Party Process: Deb Haaland endorsed Stephanie Garcia Richard for lieutenant governor, while Gregg Hull criticized the move as potentially undermining a transparent selection process by the state party. Local Business: Santa Fe’s first traditional food hall is set to open this fall, likely September or October. Threat Case: A Clovis USPS worker faces federal charges after alleged social media threats tied to the Lubbock Pride Fest.

DEA fentanyl probe sparks NM reparations push: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says the federal government should pay New Mexico billions after allegations that DEA agents let large fentanyl shipments reach the state while building bigger cases, forcing the state to spend more than $1.5 billion on enforcement, treatment and overdose prevention. Wildfire tragedy and fireworks warnings: Three firefighters were killed in a fast-moving blaze near the Colorado-Utah border as hundreds of thousands of acres burn across the West; officials are urging people to pause on fireworks amid extreme heat and wind. Geofence searches ruling hits privacy: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled geofence location searches require a specific warrant, a decision tied to an Albuquerque-area investigation involving a mosque. Democratic ticket shake-up in NM: Sen. Harold James Pope Jr. says he’ll keep pursuing lieutenant governor despite Deb Haaland endorsing Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard. Public safety on the ground: Albuquerque Fire Rescue rescued an injured hiker in the Sandia Mountains and urged hikers to plan for rapidly changing monsoon conditions. Politics beyond NM: Supreme Court also ruled mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day can be counted, and states sued over Medicaid work requirements.

DEA fentanyl fallout in New Mexico: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says the state may pursue restitution after allegations that DEA agents repeatedly monitored but didn’t seize fentanyl shipments from 2023-2025, including claims of about 1.8 million pills reaching communities; she called it “derelict” and says she’ll push the case to the White House and Congress while AG Raúl Torrez pursues a criminal investigation. Albuquerque tech leadership: The city has started searching for a permanent director of its Department of Technology and Innovation after acting director Saif Ismail took over from Mark Leech. Borderland faith amid legal fight: Parishioners from Las Cruces and El Paso joined a prayer pilgrimage up Mount Cristo Rey as the Trump administration seeks to seize land for a border wall, with church leaders saying the climb will proceed. Medicaid work requirements lawsuit wave: New Mexico is part of a broader push as multiple states and AGs sue the Trump administration over Medicaid “medically frail” exemptions tied to new work rules. Local governance oversight: Doña Ana County has been ordered to appoint an outside fiscal agent after a special audit found long-standing failures in managing public funds and grants. Sports conference shakeup: The Mountain West won’t release a preseason football poll, citing conference realignment and roster volatility. Screwworm response: The U.S. and Mexico opened a sterile fly facility in southern Mexico to help suppress New World screwworm, with Texas reporting new cases and New Mexico on alert.

Prediction Markets Fight: U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla joined other Democrats urging Congress to block the CFTC from using federal money to stop states and Tribes from enforcing their own rules on online prediction markets. Wildfire Tragedy in the Four Corners: Hot, windy conditions fueled major blazes along the Colorado-Utah border, where three firefighters died and two were injured after being trapped in a burnover. Colorado River Water Battle: A major tribal water settlement is being blocked by Upper Basin states, including New Mexico, as negotiations over how to split dwindling river supplies remain stuck. New Mexico Film Industry Hit: Netflix canceled supernatural mystery series “The Boroughs,” dealing a blow after the show’s first season generated $156.8 million in New Mexico economic impact and supported hundreds of local vendors. Local Economy/Energy: Matador’s midstream JV San Mateo agreed to buy Cardinal Midstream’s operating subsidiaries for $752 million, expanding pipeline and processing reach into southern Eddy County, N.M. Albuquerque Area: A crash on I-40 westbound near Exit 44 in Coolidge slowed traffic to one lane; no injuries reported.

Wildfire Tragedy: Three firefighters were killed and two were injured in a burnover while battling the Snyder wildfire complex on the Utah-Colorado border, as extreme heat, wind and drought keep pushing blazes across the Southwest. New Mexico Film Economy: Netflix canceled “The Boroughs,” a supernatural series that had brought more than 300 local vendors and $156.8 million in economic impact to New Mexico—leaving crews and small businesses scrambling. Borderland Faith: The Diocese of Las Cruces is inviting people to a Mount Cristo Rey pilgrimage amid a DHS lawsuit over alleged eminent domain tied to border wall plans. Local Culture & Youth Art: Los Alamos MainStreet and Creative District launched “Voltage Visions,” turning transformer boxes into youth-painted murals. Health Costs in Albuquerque: Albuquerque Medicaid spending on Vision Services rose to $2.97 million in 2024, up 50% from 2023. Community Events: Santa Fe’s 505 Night Market debuts this summer with free, family-friendly food, art and music. Sports: New Mexico United hosts Liga MX side Atlante FC for an international friendly at Isotopes Park.

Wildfire Tragedy in the West: Three firefighters died and two were injured battling the Knowles and Gore fires on the Colorado-Utah border as extreme heat, low humidity, and gusty winds keep pushing blazes. The Cottonwood Fire in southwest Utah has already damaged the Eagle Point ski resort and forced closures, with officials calling conditions “bleak.” New Mexico Cannabis Crackdown: New Mexico’s cannabis enforcement unit is hitting the black market statewide, with trained officers now targeting illegal operators that industry says are undercutting legal businesses. Homelessness Enforcement in Santa Fe: Santa Fe police have sharply increased illegal camping charges this year, drawing criticism that the city is effectively criminalizing homelessness. Water Stress and the Colorado River: Negotiations among Colorado River states have stalled, while a new federal study warns Lake Powell could fall below levels needed for power generation. Local Utilities Fight: Southern New Mexico ratepayers are pushing back against an El Paso Electric request that could raise typical bills by more than $40 by 2027. Albuquerque Community Support: A “Food Is Medicine Produce Fair” brought free fresh produce and nutrition resources to residents facing food insecurity.

Local Economy & Energy Relief: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is urging lawmakers to use a projected $825 million budget windfall to send $250 rebate checks to New Mexico taxpayers, arguing high gas prices still hurt commuters despite a slight dip. Public Safety & Health: New Mexico is among states facing scrutiny over SNAP payment error rates, with federal penalties looming for high-error states starting in October 2027. Agriculture & Biosecurity: New World screwworm detections are expanding, with officials reporting a growing number of cases across Texas and one domestic animal case in Lea County, New Mexico—prompting stricter animal movement quarantines. Local Business: Albuquerque’s West Side is set to welcome Shoku House, a Japanese brunch spot planned for McMahon Marketplace by August. Community & Culture: The Albuquerque BioPark says a siamang named Eve helped reunite a baby bird with its mother after it wandered into her habitat. Crime Update: Albuquerque police charged a 20-year-old jail inmate in a second killing tied to a homeless man’s stabbing outside a downtown church.

Screwworm Alert: Idaho added new entry rules for animals from Texas and New Mexico after the New World screwworm was confirmed in Texas and a dog case was reported in New Mexico, requiring a recent Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and proof of movement permits from infested zones. Public Health Holiday Closures: New Mexico Department of Health offices will close for the Fourth of July, with the helpline still staffed July 4 and reopening July 6. Fentanyl Probe: New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez launched a criminal investigation into DEA operations after claims agents let large fentanyl shipments “walk” into the state. Local Politics: Deb Haaland endorsed Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard for lieutenant governor, setting up a key Democratic ticket decision. Community & Courts: Food Not Bombs Roswell reached a settlement allowing the group to serve food again on Pioneer Plaza without a permit, after a lawsuit. Sports: Albuquerque’s Downs of Albuquerque kicked off Rainbow Futurity qualifiers, with more trials set for Saturday.

DEA fentanyl probe: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez opened a criminal investigation into allegations that DEA agents in the state let large fentanyl shipments reach Albuquerque streets without seizing them, after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham asked for action and the AP reported the strategy may have violated federal rules. Elections fight: Nevada AG Aaron Ford and Sec. of State Francisco Aguilar won court rulings blocking key parts of a Trump elections executive order, with judges permanently barring federal enforcement of provisions tied to voter registration, election funding and ballot counting. Border wall and faith: Catholic dioceses in Las Cruces and El Paso are urging a Sunday pilgrimage at Mt. Cristo Rey as DHS seeks to condemn church land for a border wall segment via eminent domain. State politics: Deb Haaland endorsed Stephanie Garcia Richard for New Mexico lieutenant governor as the Democratic Party prepares to pick a replacement after Maggie Toulouse Oliver stepped aside. Local economy: Albuquerque is moving ahead on creating a business improvement district in Old Town. Public safety: Utah declared a state of emergency as a major wildfire spreads and fire weather warnings remain in effect ahead of July Fourth.

DEA/Fentanyl Oversight: New Mexico’s congressional delegation demanded answers from DEA chief Terry Cole after reports agents knowingly allowed fentanyl to reach New Mexico streets, asking for details on arrests, approvals, and whether agents stayed in-state. Tribes vs. Prediction Markets: Four New Mexico tribes sued Kalshi to block online sports prediction contracts, arguing they violate federal and tribal gaming laws; the platform is seeking dismissal. Water Watch: Lake Powell is entering summer at its lowest level ever, with federal projections warning it could hit “minimum power pool” next spring and risk major impacts if it falls further. Wildfire Recovery: FEMA reported more than $3.51 billion in aid for over 24,500 Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon claims, citing faster processing since the 2022 disaster. Local Economy/Community: Hemmings Great Race cars rolled through Albuquerque, bringing Route 66 nostalgia and tourism buzz to Balloon Fiesta Park. Health/Ag: NMSU researchers won a $759,000 grant to develop disease-resistant green chile, targeting phytophthora capsici.

Fentanyl Accountability in New Mexico: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and state leaders are demanding investigations after a whistleblower and records alleged the DEA let hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills reach New Mexico streets from 2023 to 2025 without seizing them. Grisham has asked Attorney General Raúl Torrez to probe whether federal agents broke state law and to pursue accountability. Federal Oversight Escalates: The DEA has asked the Justice Department’s internal watchdog to investigate the claims, setting up a new round of scrutiny over DEA decisions and supervision. CHIPS Boost for Albuquerque Tech: I-Pulse, with labs near Sandia, won a $250 million CHIPS award to develop silicon carbide power and pulsed-power electronics, aiming to strengthen U.S. supply chains. Colorado River Warning: Lake Powell is at its emptiest level entering summer, with federal projections warning it could fall to “minimum power pool,” raising the risk of major power and environmental impacts. Local Pushback on Data Centers: In Raton, residents are organizing against a proposed digital hub after a feasibility study cleared the way for a data center using up to 5 megawatts.